Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, filed two bills this week to help address the state’s teacher shortage by recognizing the skills and service of out-of-state teachers.

“Even with the historic pay raises and budget increases, we’re still facing a teacher shortage. We’ve got to figure out a way to increase the potential pool of teacher applicants, and attracting out-of-state teachers is one way we can do that,” Pugh said. “However, we need to get rid of some of the roadblocks that are keeping out-of-state teachers from continuing their careers in our classrooms. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to give a tax deduction to individuals and families contributing to an Oklahoma STABLE account, which is made possible by the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program.

Oklahoma STABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. They have similar features to normal banking accounts but allow disabled individuals to save and invest money without losing eligibility for public benefits programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.

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The Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) recognized Sen. Dewayne Pemberton for his dedication to Oklahoma schools this session by naming him Legislator of the Year. The Muskogee legislator was presented with the award at the annual OSSBA/CCOSA Conference last Friday at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

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OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, announced a town hall meeting on Monday, January 13, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Center at 201 S. Broadway in Laverne, Oklahoma. Citizens from across Harper County are welcome to attend.

This event will allow citizens to hear from Sen. Murdock, learn about upcoming legislation, ask questions and discuss issues they hope to see addressed in the 2020 legislative session. Sen. Murdock will also discuss the census and the importance of participation.

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OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, announced a town hall meeting on Monday, January 20, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Oklahoma Economic Development Authority Building at 330 Douglas Ave. in Beaver, Oklahoma. Citizens from across Beaver County are welcome to attend.

This event will allow citizens to hear from Sen. Murdock, learn about upcoming legislation, ask questions and discuss issues they hope to see addressed in the 2020 legislative session. Murdock will also discuss the census and the importance of participation.

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Twenty-five newly-elected and returning members of the Oklahoma State Senate were officially sworn in during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the Senate chamber. The oath of office was administered by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph M. Watt.

The 2004 Senate class includes 15 new members and 10 members who were re-elected. This marks one of the largest groups of new members in recent years, with 14 of those seats open during the election cycle due to the state’s constitutionally mandated term limits.
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Five members of the Oklahoma Legislature have been honored for their efforts to improve safety in workplaces throughout the state. Sen. James Leewright, R-Bristow, Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, and Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, have received the Workplace Safety Champion award for 2019 from the Oklahoma Workplace Safety Coalition. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Carri Hicks is hoping Oklahoma will adopt legislation aimed at reducing the risk of infant suffocation or strangulation. Hicks has introduced Senate Bill 1156 which would ban the sale of crib bumpers and bar their use in child care facilities.

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At the request of Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, for an official Attorney General Opinion, the Office of Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter released a legal opinion regarding the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s so-called “No-Surcharge” statute that limited consumer choice in making purchases.

Sen. Brooks sought the Attorney General’s opinion with the goal of allowing more flexible payment options in Oklahoma that offer benefits to both businesses and consumers. read more.